Obey the Shiny Red Octagons

Check out the Daily Camera article:

http://www.dailycamera.com/archivesearch/ci_14788415?IADID=Search-www.dailycamera.com-www.dailycamera.com#axzz0jo5HILC2

Woop….woop, your pinched! Are you one of the many “ticked off” cyclists contacted this year by the CU Police for failing to obey the law? Recent on campus sting operations help breed an unpleasant relationship between cyclists and cops. Hopefully we're all mature enough to understand that police only enforce laws, they don’t create them. So instead of placing the blame, I’ll take a moment to hash out any grievances and misconceptions.

I’m generally skeptical of authority, but I assure you profit and quotas do not play a role in the recent ticket spree. Safety remains the police mission. Their extreme measures however often rub us vagabonds in ways that remind us why we grow our hair long and don’t visit Muscogee. I feel a common ground must be located to ensure healthy relationships within our community.

I follow my own system for navigating the roadways; tweaking traffic laws (in safe ways) helps accommodate two less wheels. Bicycles and automobiles function differently. The law in Boulder requires one to complete a stop and place their foot upon the ground; the equivalent to arriving at a stop sign and turning off your ignition. I wonder what a little common sense may do when writing and passing laws, perhaps the laws were created by people who think in theory not in practice.

I keep hearing negative talk on the police, when the issues need to be voiced to city council. Remember the police enforce laws and politicians create them. I perceive a future where cyclists obey a set of traffic laws that adhere to their vehicle. Could a reevaluation of the laws actually prevent accidents and construct safer roads, paths, and sidewalks? We may never see the alternative unless we actively inform lawmakers to our side of the story.

Finally, let’s not forget that some tickets actually benefit everyone. D.I.R.C.’s cause accidents! Their behavior reflects negatively upon the cycling community, so actions justify punishment. Also the tickets help the community see the need for improved infrastructure. If roads generate accidents, the process for reconstruction originates in documenting/ticketing the problem roadways.

For everyone whose tempers irrupt with fury try keeping it in perspective. One hundred dollars may have ruined little Johnny’s spring break, which I’m sure to lose sleep over, but no one’s hurt, tickets are paper, and you may just be a little more heads up next time you approach a stop sign and neglect to even brake tap. If you're passionate go to city council, compose your thoughts, and help move the dialogue forward.